The Best of Asheville’s Fall Foliage

It can be hard to see summer come to an end but nature helps to soften the blow by gracing us with the multi-hued beauty of autumn – this is especially true of Asheville’s fall foliage!

Asheville’s fall foliage is some of America’s favorite – and no wonder! The Blue Ridge Mountains have one of the longest fall color seasons in the world, giving you the opportunity to take in some of the most colorful leaf-peeping vistas America has to offer, from late September through October to early November!

Here are just a few of the places we recommend for the best of Asheville’s Fall Foliage:

Autumn breaks out at the highest elevations in the early weeks of fall and Grandfather Mountain is a great place to catch these early colors. Grandfather Mountain also has hiking trails, picnicking spots, wildlife habitats, a Nature Museum, dining, and a popular, mile high swinging bridge that provides both thrills and incredible views of those stunning fall colors.

Pisgah National Forest, home of the now famous Cold Mountain, also affords some great, early views of fall foliage – and that’s not all. Pisgah National Forest also offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a restaurant to refuel at after you’ve taken in all those fabulous autumn views.

Nothing boosts the beauty of nature like a waterfall and Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest more than fits the bill. Right nearby, the Looking Glass Rock trailhead leads down a wonderful, 3.1 mile trail through a wilderness aflame this time of year with brilliant fall colors.

We’ve mentioned it before, we’re going to mention it again: there’s no bad time to visit Chimney Rock State Park but, during Asheville’s fall foliage season, the park’s expansive views become that much more cinematic and breath-taking. Seriously: don’t miss it.

The best part of all these locations is that you’ll be driving through some of the most beautiful country there is, so even if you decide not to get out of the car, you’re going to be surrounded by incredibly beautiful scenes rendered even more breathtakingly picturesque by autumn’s bright paintbrush.

Honestly, we’ve barely scratched the surface of Asheville’s fall foliage attractions – there are numerous other drives you can take, scenic lookouts you can visit, great hikes, and more. When you stay at North Lodge on Oakland, we can provide you with all sorts of insider tips about where to go and what to see in the Asheville area, no matter what time of year it is. We look forward to seeing you and helping to make your Asheville adventure the very best it can be!